We Are Tea have partnered with nutritionist Amanda Hamilton to create a collection of super tea's; Svelte, Glow, and Soothe. The teas are packed full of 100% natural herbal blends and are recommended for everyday use, use the tag #everydaygood to connect on social. 

Amanda Hamilton shares her secrets on easily integrating healthy eating into your daily routine, the right foods to give your brain a boost and her top tips on running a business: 

Please, can you introduce yourself and your work? 

Amanda Hamilton, nutritionist, broadcaster, writer - and now tea entrepreneur!

What spurred your interest in health and nutrition?

A background in sports and that inner drive to really do something with my working life that can help impact change. 

Could you give us a bit of background on your career and education? 

I did a degree straight out of school at 17 which led to a career in broadcasting and journalism - my first job was reading the news! However, I came across a course on nutrition (it was in its infancy 15 years ago) and really felt I’d found my calling, so I went back to study for my professional qualification,  I’ve since added studies in yoga and a post-grad in obesity science to the list. I think I’ve managed to combine them all pretty well - but most of all I believe that learning is life-long! 

Can you tell us more about your approach to food and how you teach your clients to incorporate this into their life?

First and foremost, it’s about being real - and realistic. I don’t believe in hugely restrictive diets unless someone’s symptoms really demand it. Saying that, I always put plants as first priority and if you can’t pronounce what it says on the label you probably shouldn’t be eating or drinking it!

We are all too familiar with the idea of grabbing a sandwich and a coffee to go, to suffice as lunch! What are your top health hacks that can help people to eat healthier whilst keeping up with their busy schedules?

Luckily in the UK, especially in London, the grab and go options can be super healthy - it’s just about making good choices, and, when we are stressed we tend not to! Not surprisingly then,  I’d suggest taking 15 mins if you are stressed to have a cup of tea before knee-jerking into a sugar or carb quick fix. Also, I’d suggest trying to avoid the sandwich trap in general and opting for soup, or sushi or wraps stuffed with goodness. Meals that are predominantly beige aren’t inherently healthy! 

We are very excited to hear that you’re collaborating with one of our favourite tea brands We Are Tea. What can we expect to see?

Expect to see something we are really proud of on the shelves!  The design and look and feel of the brand have been a delight to pull together, and the blends are really tasty. 

What is your favourite tea from the collection? 

My favourite tea is always the next one I’m creating - expect to see more in 2017! 

Could we talk about some of the health benefits of tea? There are so many studies behind it and as big tea drinkers, we would love to know more about the good it’s *hopefully* doing?

Over and above healthy hydration, for our range we’ve used ingredients that have a history of being used to positive effect all over the world, such as herbs used to soothe digestion after meals. When you compare tea drinking to the impact of fizzy or sugary drinks or the negative impact of too much caffeine from endless cups of coffee, herbal tea is the clear health winner!

What is your go-to meal when you’re feeling like you need a bit of a health boost? 

I am a huge fan of the Mediterranean diet and am lucky to spend a good amount of time in Southern Spain at one of my spa locations. If I need a boost I have classic Andalusian gazpacho and some local grilled sardines at the chiringuito on the beach. 

As a business-focused magazine, we are also very interested in how good nutrition impacts brainpower, productivity and even creativity. Could you tell us a bit more about this?

Garbage in, garbage out may be an old saying these days, but it still applies. Good nutrition keeps blood sugar stable which in turn helps concentration and performance. Essential fatty acids are vital for brain health. Dips in hydration will result in dips in physical and mental performance. Lastly, at the cutting edge of nutrition is the science of the microbiome where the health of the gut is known to impact on mood. 

And what foods should we be eating for the ultimate brain boost? 

Starting with what you drink, sip fluids throughout the day rather than all at once as you will simply overwhelm the kidneys otherwise and pee it all out! Next, choose low G.L. (glycemic load) foods - the easiest way to think of this is to choose whole foods that are unprocessed and as close to foods in their natural state as possible. Protein can help keep you fuller for longer too, so a little with most meals can help. I’d always recommend a source of essential fats - if not oily fish a few times a week then a plant-based oil blend of nuts and seeds.

What do you next have planned?
I’ve just opened my first signature wellbeing spa programmes at Marbella Club, which has been a long time in the making. I’ve a second location in Greece and I’m opening at a second Champneys venue in 2017. I started my health retreats business almost 15 years ago so it is time to spread my wings! 

What is your top piece advice that you can give to anyone looking to start pursuing a healthier lifestyle?

Think of all the little changes you can make sustainably and start with those. And once a year do something more intensive like a detox retreat - like an annual service for your car, except your body is your vehicle for life!

And what is your top piece of advice that you can give to anyone looking to/or is running their own business?

In reality, my career is based on a vocation, so it’s easier in many ways to not burn out as I love the subject. If you can do that. Great. The downside is the challenge of choice and focus, especially when you enjoy it all!  I wholly believe in focusing on ONE THING in the mornings, and doing everything else the rest of the day. It sounds extreme but I took advice from an excellent book - The One Thing - as I was simply overwhelmed by everything that has to be done to run a successful business and it really helps. I don’t live it every day but I’ve started to plan working days to this principle and have seen great gains. 

Check out the brand new range of Every Day Good at wearetea.com